North Bay & Area Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinic

The Rapid Access Addiction Medicine clinic (RAAM), funded by the NELHIN, provides an opportunity for individuals with substance use issues to access safe, non-judgmental specialized addiction medicine in a timely manner. While appointments are preferred, this low barrier model allows for drop-ins and self-referral. The navigator is available 5 days a week.

This multidisciplinary team combines addiction medicine (physicians who specialize in substance use disorder) with the psycho-social supports that many individuals struggling with substances require to improve their quality of life. In addition to medical intervention, assessment, treatment referral, and case management (housing supports, financial support, etc.) are provided.

Once patients are stabilized, they are referred back to primary care for long-term follow-up; the clinical team offers ongoing support to family physicians through re-assessments and addiction specific consultations. In this model, addiction specialists, hospital staff, family doctors, and community service agents work with the individual to provide seamless and accessible care.